Radiohead Express Outrage, Hold Moment of Silence at First Toronto Show Since Stage Collapse

Earlier tonight, Radiohead played their first show in Toronto since the 2012 stage collapse that killed the band’s drum tech Scott Johnson. Thom Yorke took a moment to address the tragedy. “We wanted to do a show in Toronto, the stage collapsed, killing one of our colleagues and friends,” he said. “The people who should be held accountable are still not being held accountable in your city. The silence is fucking deafening.” He asked the audience to hold a moment of silence before the band launched into “Karma Police.” Watch below via Consequence of Sound. Radiohead are currently on their North American tour.

Last September, it was announced that the court would stay the charges against Live Nation and other parties implicated in Johnson’s death. Last night, Radiohead drummer Philip Selway appeared on BBC’s “Newsnight” to express his frustration regarding the halted case. “The court case broke down on a technicality,” he said. “So there have been no real answers. Without the answers we can’t ensure that an accident like this can’t happen again.”

In November, the last development in the investigation of Johnson’s death arrived when the chief coroner of Ontario announced that they were launching an inquest. Radiohead called for more scrutiny into the incident, writing, “While this is welcomed it does not bring those responsible for Scott’s death to account, and it provides no justice for Scott and his family.”